Employees of Cargill Meat Solutions met with company officials Thursday in hopes of learning what the future may hold for the plant.

The meat processing facility was destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon, putting 800 workers out of a job.

At the First Baptist Church of Booneville, employees were let inside in groups and given their assistance-package information. Those having worked at the plant for less than a year will receive two weeks pay. Those with more than 15 years on the job will receive six weeks compensation.

All health benefits are being extended for 30 days.

(Mark Klein, Cargill) ”We know it's not enough, but we hope it'll help people through the transition."

Those employees who are able can relocate to the Springdale plant, while representatives from Tyson--Cargill's competitor--were on hand to talk with workers about other opportunities.

(Eddie Lindsey, Tyson) “We had a fire at our plant several years ago--20 years or so--and we know how folks are feeling, and what's in their minds, worrying about jobs. It's a big deal."

Meantime, Cargill officials have yet to assess the damage of the plant--and are not saying if they will rebuild.

(Klein) “We do know if we broke ground today, it would be 10 to 12 months before we'd be up in operational. Well, our employees need something now.”

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